With the recent terrible weather severely affecting their fixtures due to waterlogged pitches Wrington Redhill, at last, were able to host a game at the Recreation field, the first since 13 January at home and more than 5 weeks since their last away fixture.

All credit to Manager Leigh White and his assistants Sam Clements and Mark Brown for keeping their squad focused on the challenging task ahead of escaping from the relegation area with nearly half a season’s fixtures to be crammed in by the end of April with 3 games per week looming during next month.

The visitors for this match were Keynsham Town Reserves and White’s team were looking to fight for the vital 3 points. There was a positive start to the game with the versatile Josh Pitt being pushed further forward from his normal position and caused a threat with his intelligent runs behind the defence and created a good chance but there was just a lack of venom in the shot allowing a save to be made. The target man was Joe Creese with his pace and Reece Ferguson-Obamwonyi was looking lively with the ball at his feet. The best chance in the early stages fell to Sam Harvey but his effort was the wrong side of the upright.

The high tempo start took its toll on a very heavy pitch as Keynsham edged their way into the game. Their direct style of play kept the back four of Jordon Bonner, Ethan Johnson, skipper Dan Ferguson and Ollie Clements busy. Keeper Regan D’Arcy made an excellent save but was unable to get to a direct free kick from just outside the box which eluded the home side’s defence and into the net for a 1-0 lead. Despite this setback Wrington Redhill kept pressing on with Ayrton Phillips and Ryan Pugh working hard to regain midfield control.

The second half saw the introduction of new signing Max Smith who had been an influential player with the Club’s Under 16’s team last season. His debut was impressive adding much needed energy in the sapping conditions and determination to help the team back onto the front foot. However, much praise goes to D’Arcy for two brilliant saves to stay in the game.

Chances fell to Creese and Harvey, but neither were converted. With tiring legs another debutant was brought on, Harrison Bowen, with Matt Walsh and Ethan Williams to freshen up the impetus to seek a goal.

There then was a period of 90 seconds of madness in injury time as Walsh scored the equaliser from a left footed shot at which point the team would have settled for a draw. Drama followed as Ferguson-Obamwonyi rolled in what looked like a much-needed  winning goal. Remarkably from the restart Keynsham launched a huge kick downfield latched onto one of their players and fired past D’Arcy for the last kick of the game ending 2-2.

The final result was probably a fair reflection of the game but so many late goals conceded this season has cost the Wrington Redhill team dearly.

Supporters Man of the Match. Regan D’Arcy.

Team:

Goalkeeper: Regan D’Arcy

Defence:        Ollie Clements, Dan Ferguson, Ethan Johnson, Jordon Bonner

Midfield: Ayrton Phillips, Sam Harvey, Ryan Pugh

Forwards:    Reece Ferguson-Obamwonyi, Joe Creese, Josh Pitt

Substitutes: Ethan Williams (for Jordon Bonner), Max Smith (Ryan Pugh) Matt Walsh (for Joe Creese), Harrison Bowen (for Ethan Johnson)